10 Best From Liberty vs Bishop Gorman
The 4A Region Semifinals got underway last night. The Liberty Patriots tangled with 8 time defending champ Bishop Gorman in the first game. The Patriots were led by Gonzaga commit Julian Strawther, however, from the outset, it was clear that Liberty would be more than a one-man squad. In the first half, they got terrific contributions from several players including Demetrius Williams and Joshua Jefferson. Gorman was led by the spectacular play of Mwani Wilkinson who had several highlight dunks. The Gaels took a 1 point lead into the half. In the 2nd half, Wilkinson continued the highlights hammering home a thunderous dunk off the drive and catching a ridiculous lob. The slugfest continued in the second half as neither team could pull away. That was until Gorman went on a late 4th quarter run to extend the lead to 7. Rather than folding, Liberty fought back, using their defense to force turnovers and get easy shots. With under two minutes to go Jefferson hit a huge 3 pointer to trim the lead to 2. A Williams free throw cut the lead to 1, and on the ensuing possession, Jefferson intercepted a Gorman pass and found Strawther streaking down the middle of the floor.
The senior was fouled, however, he could only convert 1 out of 2 and the game was tied at 59 with only seconds remaining. Gorman held for 1 until Wilkinson drove the lane. He lost the ball, and a mad scramble ensued. The loose ball was first picked up by Will McClendon who put up a tough runner in the lane. He missed, but it was almost as if the ball had eyes as it found its way into the hands of Ryan Ableman. Ableman caught the ball and delivered a pinpoint pass to a wide-open Wilkinson who layed it up as time expired. After some discussion, the refs put 1.8 back on the clock providing Liberty with one more opportunity. Strawther’s half-court heave went begging and the Gaels survived. All in all, it was a spectacular game, dripping with drama from start to finish.
Now on to the best.
MVP: Mwani Wilkinson 6’6 SF Bishop Gorman 2020 (#3PHN 2020)
Performances like this have become routine for Wilkinson. The difference was the Gaels needed every one of his 23 points. He defended, leading the game with an amazing 8 blocks, and he provided several highlight moments. As if that wasn’t enough, he also put in the game-winning basket.
Best Offensive Performance: Zaon Collins 6’1 PG Bishop Gorman 2021 (#2PHN 2021)
It would be easy to give it to the leading scorer, however, Collins put a solid performance not only scoring 13 points but also finishing with a game-high 5 assist.
Best Defensive Performance: Wilkinson
The guy had 8 blocks in a game his team won by 1 bucket. I say that qualifies as a great defensive performance.
Best Intangible: The play of Demetrius Williams
Williams is rarely counted on for scoring. However, he provided the Patriots with a big lift both defensively and offensively. He harassed the Gorman guards on the defensive end, which isn’t unique for him. What was unique was this offensive contribution, as the normally reluctant to shoot junior guard chipped in 9 points.
Best play: Abbleman’s pass to Wilkinson
It would be easy to focus on the finish. What was impressive about that play to me was the wherewithal of Abbleman to secure the catch, recognize an open Wilkinson and deliver an on-time on-target pass. Some of it was just pure luck, however, you can’t ignore the IQ and quick thinking of Abbleman. Many players especially sophomore players may have panicked and thrown up a quick shot. However, his recognition and poise allowed the Gaels to survive and advance. (Take a look at the winning play)
Best Coaching Decision: Coach Rice’s use of his bench.
Gorman has suffered from a lack of depth all season. Against Liberty, Rice utilized previously little-used players to provide spot rest for his starters. In addition to Abbleman’s 15 minutes, Gabe Howe and Mo Khalaf each received playing time. I felt as if this went a long way in keeping the starters fresh and out of foul trouble.
Sleeper: Demetrius Williams 6’1 SG Liberty 2021
Williams showed that he can defend at an elite level, as well as score. Playing on a team with this much talent it’s not a surprise that Williams falls a bit under the radar, but his speed quickness and defensive ability can certainly be used by someone.
Underclassmen: Joshua Jefferson 6’6 PF Liberty 2022 (#3PHN 2022)
Jefferson solidified himself to me as one of the top Sophomores on the West Coast. His skills look night and day from earlier in the year. I was impressed with his ability to handle against pressure, and his willingness to shoot the ball. His corner 3 to cut the lead to 2 late in the game showed, just how far he has come as a shooter.
Best Quote: Stefan Berg HC Liberty
“I’m proud of our guys. Our guys competed all year, we got better and that’s all you can ask for”.
Best aspect of the environment: The tension in the gym
This game had so many emotional swings that the tension was almost palpable. It felt as if the crowd hung on every play. I’ll never forget how in an instant the crowd went from bedlam to so quiet you could hear a pin drop in a matter of seconds when Strawther walked to the line. This kid has been battling to beat this team for four years, and after over 31 minutes of a hard-fought basketball game one of the top recruits in the state finds himself at the line with the chance to dethrone a dynasty. This is why sports is so amazing, you simply can not script this stuff.
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